In the gutter

Disney is feeling the pinch of the economic downturn.

Plans to bring thousands of bowlers to Disney's Wide World of Sports in 2011 have landed in the gutter — at least for the time being. Blame the economy. The private — and still unnamed — company that would build the 100-lane bowling stadium in Osceola County is having trouble getting financing because of the credit market. The first tournament in the new bowling complex is not scheduled until 2013, Disney World spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said.

Back in June, officials lauded the deal. Planned for 100 lanes, stadium-style seating and a restaurant, the facility was to be complete in about 18 months. Under terms of the deal, the United States Bowling Congress was supposed to bring 13 events to Central Florida beginning in 2011. Each tournament is played over four to six months. The event, though delayed, is still expected to be a boon to Osceola hotels and tourist-related businesses.

Honestly I thought bowling was in decline. Except for places like Buffalo, which was once described as 'The Bowling Capital of the World' by comedian Robert Klein. Bowling centers have been closing in my area of South Florida. Here is one example.

All tourist related business are going to be hurt with an economy in recession. People stay at home rather than take a vacation. The legendary hotel chain Howard Johnson's was struck badly by the gas price rises starting in 1973. Where there used to be many of these easy to distinguish hotels in the early 70's, only a few remain.